Day 64 - 080309 Finish Line!

Junction City, OR to Florence, OR - 65.77 miles - Trip Grand Total: 4343.77 miles






It was tough to leave the campsite this morning as it would be our last as a group. I was excited to finish and accomplish our goal but sad at the same time. Finishing will be bittersweet. Don's diner once again whipped up a delicious banana and chocolate chip pancake feast. This part of Oregon is beautiful but surprisingly cold for this time of year. Our first stop was at the Deadwood County Market in Deadwood, OR. They were unfortunately out of Umpqua chocolate milk so of course I went with a root beer. The majority of us rode as a group. Kevin and Chris however left a bit before us as Kevin's rear wheel was in pretty bad shape and he was in for a tough last ride. Our second stop was at Randy's Riverview Market in Mapleton, OR to meet up and prepare for our final 14 miles into Florence. As we rode in on 126 I slammed into a road construction cone. Luckily the collision didn't cause a spill but the contents of my handlebar bag did explode out onto the busy roadway. We finally arrived in Florence and headed for the beach for the Pacific Ocean tire dip. Geoff's parents met us at the beach with celebratory champagne and snacks. Thanks again! Most of us were so excited we sprinted into the waves for a skin tingling, breathe taking swim in the cold Oregon ocean. I then rode to the Heceta Mini Mart for some soda as Don and company headed to the store for feast goodies. We played trip trivia and celebrated into the night at the Lane County Parks Harbor Vista Campground on the Siuslaw River.

Day 63 - 080209

McKenzie Bridge, OR to Junction City, OR - 78 miles




Great day for riding and we were excited to visit Eugene, the largest city on our cross country journey. Our first stop today was at the Leaburg Store in Leaburg, OR. I rode with Bret most of today and we stopped to enjoy some of Oregon's famous wild blackberries. Apparently Oregon is the leading blackberry producer in the world! Yummy! We rode into Eugene and stopped to eat at the Steelhead Brewing Co. Leaving Eugene was nice as the city is extremely bike friendly and has a trail system for cyclists. After arriving at the campsite Don Kristen, and I went to the Fern Ridge Market to buy goodies to cook for dinner. We camped for the night at the Lane County Park Richardson Park Campground on the Fern Ridge Lake.

Day 62 - 080109

Sisters, OR to McKenzie Bridge, OR - 61.57 miles





Today we started by climbing to the top of our final pass. We stopped at the summit of the Santiam Pass - elevation 4817ft to celebrate! We exchanged high fives and posed for a few pictures as we would only be declining in elevation for the remainder of our trip. The descent was sweet yet tricky with fallen rocks littering the shoulder. As we turned onto 126 we noticed strange terrain possibly igneous rock. We reached the McKenzie Bridge Willamette National Forest Campground but continued a few miles past to the Rustic Skillet Restaurant for some food. We returned to the campsite which was on the McKenzie River and a few of us enjoyed a very very cold but refreshing swim.

Day 61 - 073109

Ochoco Pass to Sisters, OR - 72.15 miles - Trip Total: 4138.43 miles



Don's Diner came to the breakfast rescue again this morning with grilled egg and cheese sandwiches! Pretty nice ride today with mostly flat terrain. Our first stop was at the Cross Street Shell in Prineville, OR. Our second stop was at the Dairy Queen in Redmond, OR. I rode the last leg of the day with Don and Kristen and we arrived in Sisters and enjoyed some pizza at Martollis Pizza. Sisters is a busy town for a place with a population of 1750. I took advantage of the Sisters Public Library for some internet and blogging. Mason's cousins owns the Three Creeks Brewing Co. so we are having some tasty treats and a few delicious drinks. We camped for the night at the Sisters Overnight City Park.

Day 60 - 073009

Mt. Vernon, OR to Ochoco Divide Campground at Ochoco Pass - 80.9 miles



I started the morning by again visiting the Food Mart Chevron. Our first stop today was at the South Fork Mini Market in Dayville, OR. We continued on to the Little Pine Cafe for lunch & the Wheeler County Trading Co for a few groceries in Mitchell, OR. The last stretch of our ride was extremely hot with blistering sunshine as we climbed out of Mitchell - 2795ft up to the top of Ochoco Pass - 4720ft. It was great to reach the top and conclude riding for the day. We enjoyed our campsite for the night, cooking food and sharing conversation. I woke up in the middle of the night to a dark sky filled with more brightly shinning stars than I have ever seen.

Day 59 - 072909

Baker City, OR to Mt. Vernon, OR - 89.92 miles



I started the day with a convenient store breakfast at the Downtown Chevron. Today was great but tough and filled with climbs as we climbed over Sumpter Pass, Tipton Pass, & Dixie Pass - 5082ft, 5124ft, & 5277ft respectively. I was the first to arrive in Prairie City, OR and I headed straight to the Mountain View Mini Mart for a 32 oz Gatorade and a 32 oz Powerade. I then joined the group at Chuck's Little Diner for lunch. During lunch a quick shower past over and we were forced to scramble inside to avoid eating soaked burgers. We continued riding until we reached our destination for the night at the Clyde Holliday State Park near Mt. Vernon, OR. Another nice campsite with showers available and a store just a mile up the road. Geoff and I decided to check out the Food Mart Chevron for a few goodies before returning to camp for the night. At the campsite I met the parents of Bobby Julich (http://www.bobbyjulich.com/) a great American cyclist. Thanks for the autographed card!

Day 58 - 072809 Oregon

Brownlee Dam to Baker City, OR - 82 miles


Great night last night filled with restful sleep and a sky full of stars. Don's diner whipped up another delicious pancake breakfast for the group this morning. Much appreciated Don! We rode over the bridge and across the Snake River into Oregon and instantly Danielle, Kristen, and Amanda simultaneously got flats.




I rode most of the day today with Chris and as we were riding close to Halfway, OR a rancher was herding his cattle down the road ... adding that experience to my list of first times as we proceeded uninterrupted. Our first stop was just after a climb to 3653ft at Shorthorn Bar and Grill in Richland, OR. The riding today was hot and dry with intense baking sunshine. Don and Will met us about 10 miles before we reached our destination and I instantly chugged three full water bottles. We arrived in Baker City and headed straight to the Post Office as I had a package to pick up, Thanks Mom! Next we went to the Dairy Queen for food and endless fountain drinks. I then spent some quality time at the Baker County Library for some blog time. We camped for the night at the Mtn. View Holiday Trav-L-Park. This RV park was hooked up with showers, Wi-Fi, and a spa!